Five killer charts: Eating out devours America’s food budget

Good morning – here are your five chart for the day. Each one comes snap stat, quick take and why it matters. Skim, steal, forward (but always credit!!).

CHART 1 • Eating out devours America’s food budget

Restaurant and takeaway spend in the US has doubled in two decades and hit $1.2 trillion in 2023, eclipsing grocery bills even after a pandemic dip. This chart from the Financial Times shows food-away-from-home racing past supermarket outlays as total food spend tops $2 trillion.

Snap stat – $1.2 trillion was shelled out on meals eaten outside the home in 2023.

Quick take – Convenience is trumping cost as overwork erodes time to cook.

Why it matters – Rising obesity and healthcare bills threaten household finances and public budgets.

Steal-this-caption – “US diners now drop $1.2 trillion a year on restaurants – groceries are the side order.” #FiveChartsDaily

Source: Financial Times

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